There are a huge variety of products and methods designed to prolong the youth, freshness and elasticity of the skin. Everything, from basic care to cosmetic procedures, works for the benefit of a beautiful and healthy face. However, one of the most effective means for maintaining good skin condition is facial massage. The correct technique stimulates blood circulation, improves the condition of the lymph nodes, and sculpts the lines of the forehead, cheekbones and chin. In many ways, massage works like a gentle and natural facelift. It is easy to do yourself at home; by giving yourself small facial massage sessions, you will notice a significant difference in the condition of your skin.
Numerous studies show that people who devote time to facial massage every day experience age-related changes in their skin much better - it remains firm and elastic much longer. It does not require hours or any complex techniques; facial massage can simply be included in your daily care. You can devote time to it before bed or when you watch TV. The whole point of facial massage is that it is an easy and pleasant process that can be spent 5 or 20 minutes daily. It relaxes the skin, allows care products to penetrate into the deeper layers of the dermis, and restores oxygen exchange in cells. Here we will try to understand in detail what facial massage is, what it is like, how to do it, what products and devices to use, and why a few minutes of massage every day helps keep your skin young for decades.
Why is it needed?
Is it necessary to use a special cream when doing a massage at home? If you want maximum efficiency and can afford a little extra expense, then the answer to this question is definitely yes. And that's why.
Advantages of a specialized massage cream:
- Provides energy charging to facial muscles.
- Significantly enhances the therapeutic effect.
- Makes the procedure pleasant and truly relaxing (if, of course, you are lucky with a massage therapist).
- Enhances exfoliating effect.
- Promotes rejuvenation of skin cells.
- Helps get rid of swelling, as well as a network of facial and age wrinkles.
- Fights fatigue.
- It simplifies the procedure, as the movements of the massage therapist’s hands become smoother.
- Deeply stimulates epidermal cells.
- Reduces the likelihood of injury.
- It goes well with deep skin treatment, especially if the procedure is carried out along massage lines.
Top 3 pharmaceutical products for each type of massage
For each type of massage you will find your own pharmaceutical products. But which ones should you take? We have prepared a description of the 3 best products for 3 massage techniques to make it easier for you to navigate the store.
What to take for a relaxing massage?
From the description of the relaxation massage technique, you already know that it is best to take natural oils. In the pharmacy you can find ready-made aromatic mixtures or even creams based on nourishing oils.
- 100% natural massage and body oil Botanika are three base oils combined with relaxing plant esters. During the massage, you will feel the enchanting aroma of rose, the relaxing scent of ylang-ylang, and the soothing notes of rosemary and clary sage. In addition, the mixture contains vitamin E, which restores the health of your skin. After the massage, it will be well moisturized with grape seed, macadamia and wheat germ oils, and will become firmer and more elastic. In principle, the composition of the product is suitable for nourishing hair, as well as for facial skin care.
- Arnika massage oil Weleda is based on simple but effective nourishing sunflower and olive oils combined with relaxing lavender and rosemary esters. Such a laconic set of components indicates the purity of the product and the broad focus of its action. The mixture is suitable not only for a relaxing massage, but also for general skin care. After all, Weleda massage oil contains extracts of birch leaves and arnica flowers, which help retain moisture in the layers of the skin, restoring its beauty.
- Cedar resin in Skipar linseed oil is also an extremely modest product in composition. In addition to the base flaxseed oil, it contains vitamins a and e for healthy skin. Cedar resin, also included in the composition, has an antibacterial effect and has a therapeutic effect in the fight against rashes and acne throughout the body.
The best pharmaceutical products for baby massage
Among pharmaceutical products for baby massage, it was not easy to choose the 3 best. Almost all oil mixtures contained nutritional components and vitamins, that is, they were all almost equally good. But we abandoned cosmetics with perfume, complex essential compositions and aggressive components. As a result, 3 most suitable ones remained.
- My Sunshine massage oil from birth consists of sea buckthorn and cedar oils. There is nothing else in the composition - and this is the main advantage of this product. The likelihood of allergies is minimized, while the oil retains its functions - cleanses and moisturizes the skin.
- Our Mama massage oil also contains cedar and sea buckthorn base oils. However, here the composition is supplemented with calendula extract and vitamin A. If there are no questions about the vitamin - it heals the skin, then the presence of calendula extract should alert you. On the one hand, this plant neutralizes irritation, itching and reduces redness, on the other hand it can cause an allergic reaction.
- Our Mama massage gel contains extracts of fennel, yarrow and chamomile, as well as nourishing oil. Its texture is significantly different from the consistency of oil from the same company and is much better suited for massaging the tummy of children to avoid colic and bloating.
Compound
Selecting the right components of a massage cream is not such a simple task. Here you have to take into account not only the type of epidermis, but also the main task to be solved during the session. Therefore, we recommend that you consult with a specialist before starting treatment, especially if you are planning a massage at home.
Dry skin
- Olive and avocado oils.
- Hyaluronic acid (see hyaluronic acid in face creams).
- Keratins.
- Various components derived from seaweed.
- Grapeseed oil.
Oily skin
- Chamomile extract.
- Tea tree oil.
- Calendula.
- Fruit acids.
- Caffeine.
- Retinol (vitamin A).
- Salicylic acid.
Anti-aging massage
- Panthenol.
- Protein.
- Ceramide.
- Liposomes
conclusions
Massage is an unusually good and useful procedure. During it you can completely relax physically and mentally. And, at the same time, solve many problems related to the skin and body in general. To add something pleasant and necessary to this process, you should carefully select a massage cream. It is best to do this in consultation with a specialist. In this case, massage will solve many problems for you, such as cellulite, stretch marks, wrinkles, or help the healing process after illness. But in any case, you will enjoy this wonderful procedure.
Types of massage cream
There are quite a lot of them: from simple monocomponent ones to complex ones, which contain several dozen ingredients. Therefore, you must first decide on your preferences, and only after that go to the pharmacy or store if you want to make the cream at home.
Classic (hygienic) massage
- Peculiarities. The procedure will improve the structure of the epidermis, promote the outflow of blood and lymph, speed up metabolism and restore lost tone to the skin. We especially note: this type of massage is recommended for every woman, regardless of her age.
- Type of cream. A regular moisturizing composition is suitable for the procedure.
Plastic massage
- Peculiarities. It is considered the most effective method of non-surgical facelift. The technique has proven itself especially well in the fight against all age-related skin changes, so it is not best suited for young women. The massage movements are a little rough, but rhythmic.
- Type of cream. Any composition with a pronounced anti-aging effect.
Therapeutic (pinch) massage
- Peculiarities. It is used exclusively for therapeutic purposes, therefore its use at home is not recommended. The main objectives are stimulation of the cardiovascular system, reduction of hyperactivity of the sebaceous glands, and regeneration of epithelial cells. Therapeutic massage is recommended to combat seborrhea, rashes and excessive sweating.
- Type of cream. Specially developed formulations.
Mechanism of action
During the massage, dry skin can be injured. For better glide and to eliminate the possibility of harming the skin and subcutaneous layers, specially developed products should be used. Their composition allows you to obtain the necessary effect from the process and sufficiently moisturize the skin. In addition to helping during massage, such products have an additional effect. Simply applying creams has little effect on the skin, but during a massage the effectiveness of cosmetics is greatly enhanced. The time for absorption and onset of action of beneficial components during massage movements is noticeably accelerated. Most of these cosmetics have light and pleasant scents, which makes the massage procedure even more relaxing and enjoyable.
Initially, various types of oils were used for massage. However, with the development of the cosmetic and pharmacological industry, other types of products began to be used - creams, gels, etc.
Features of application
A properly selected massage cream will significantly increase the effectiveness of the procedure. But you must understand that its use will require compliance with several rules. Especially if you plan to do the massage at home.
Movement technique
- Cheeks (middle part). The impact on the skin is carried out with the pads of the index and middle fingers. Direction of movement: nasolabial fold - ear.
- Cheeks (lower part). The massage is performed with both hands. Direction of movement: chin - ears.
- Forehead. Massage with palms. Direction of movement: from the center of the forehead to the temples.
- Area around the eyes. Direction of movement: the inner side of the eyebrows - the bridge of the nose (in a circle). But be extremely careful: the skin here is especially delicate and thin.
- Neck. Direction of movement: in a circle, from left to right.
Important Notes
- The skin should be warmed before starting the procedure, and this applies to both your face and the hands of the massage therapist.
- Before the session, you need to wash your face thoroughly.
- Stretching the skin during a procedure performed at home is strictly prohibited.
- Movements should be as rhythmic as possible.
Safety precautions
- If you plan to do a massage yourself, be sure to understand all its intricacies. Specialized courses, video tutorials, or advice from professionals, which they often share on the Internet, can help you.
- Make sure that the massage cream matches your age and skin type.
- If you are using a store-bought formulation, make sure that it has not expired. Prefer to make your own massage cream? All ingredients must be fresh.
How does the product act on the epidermis?
Properly selected face cream promotes deep muscle relaxation
A high-quality cream increases the effectiveness of massage manipulations several times, providing a unique effect on the skin while simultaneously obtaining results for:
- softening the epidermis, due to which massage movements are gentle and smooth, without damaging the skin surface;
- toning and stimulating all metabolic processes;
- deep penetration of active components into the tissues of the dermal layer, ensuring their action at the intercellular level;
- reducing the degree of swelling;
- exfoliation of dead cellular epithelium;
- smoothing out wrinkles and folds;
- eliminating traces of fatigue and signs of fading;
- muscle relaxation;
- activation of basic cellular processes;
- tightening the skin (lifting effect).
What to buy?
As we have already said, finding a good massage cream in a pharmacy or specialty store is quite difficult. We can offer you only four drugs, the effectiveness of which we ourselves have seen.
Pharmacy creams:
- Re-Generiq (Dermika, Poland, 500 ml/2400 rub.). Professional massage cream intended for use in beauty salons. Contains sweet almond oil, which provides a regenerating, nourishing and moisturizing effect. The cost is quite high, but this volume will last you a very long time.
- ELD/S-30 Face massage cream (Eldan, Switzerland-Italy, 500 ml/2000 RUR). Another example of a cream designed for salon use. It contains vitamins, carotenoids, tannins, glycosides and essential oils, which provide a softening, regenerating and calming effect. A good option, if, of course, you are not bothered by the fairly high price.
- Crème à Masser Rééquilibrante Aromachologie (L'Occitane, France, 200 ml/3000 rub.). Universal massage cream from a premium brand. Suitable for all skin types and guarantees excellent nutrition of the epidermis without any side effects. But only very wealthy women can afford such a cream.
- Special Revitalizing Massage Cream (Chamos - Acaci, South Korea, 125 ml/1100 RUR). A relatively inexpensive cream from the Land of Morning Freshness. It is almost impossible to buy it in a regular pharmacy, so you will either have to look for an intermediary or order it on the Internet.
How to choose the right cream for facial massage
First of all, you need to consider your skin type, otherwise the cream may simply not be suitable. It is also necessary to pay attention to the composition. You can safely take a cream that contains oils and fats. This product usually has an oily and medium-density consistency.
As a rule, massage creams are produced by brands specializing in professional care.
However, there are also options from manufacturers of home care cosmetics.
- Christina Massage Cream.
Has a rejuvenating, antioxidant and nourishing effect. Stimulates renewal.
- Arabia Professional.
Cream for massage of the face, neck and décolleté. Rejuvenates, restores and moisturizes. Makes the oval of the face clearer.
- BeautyMed.
Modeling face and body cream for dry and sensitive skin. Relieves inflammation, irritation and external signs of allergies. Promotes the absorption of nutrients by cells. Regenerates, tones, reduces swelling.
- New Line.
Relaxing massage cream with argan oil for face and body. Soothes, moisturizes, nourishes and softens. Increases elasticity.
How to do it?
Preparing massage cream at home is quite possible, especially if you are unable to find a suitable composition on sale. The recipe that we offer you will not require significant financial outlays from you, especially compared to the cost of pharmaceutical drugs from the previous section.
Ingredients:
- rose water - 9 parts;
- lanolin, sunflower oil - 4 parts;
- Vaseline - 2 parts;
- camphor oil - 1 part.
How to cook?
First, combine the oils and heat them slightly in a water bath. After this, add the remaining ingredients and mix everything thoroughly.
What additional components can be added?
- Sour cream.
- Cream.
- Yogurt.
- Kefir.
- Honey.
- Berry and fruit pulp.
Preparation for the event
Proper preparation of the skin before massage therapy significantly increases the overall level of effectiveness. So, the preliminary stage:
- it is necessary to hide the hair under a cap or remove it from the face with a bandage;
- All makeup should be removed;
- wash your hands and clean your nails with a special brush;
- 30 minutes before the start of the session, the skin of the face needs to be steamed using a compress;
- A massage cream is applied to the hands and skin of the face (can be replaced with oil, even vegetable oil) so as not to damage the skin during finger contact.
Review from a cosmetologist
I never tire of repeating that massage is an exclusively salon procedure, and should only be done by professionals. If so, then the article you just read doesn’t make much sense. But we live in a world that is completely different from the ideal one. And not everyone is able to shell out a lot of money for a course of 10 sessions. Therefore, I urge you to treat the choice of massage cream with all possible responsibility, since only in this case can you count on any significant therapeutic effect.
Precautions and contraindications
Facial massage using specialized products is far from a harmless procedure. If there are contraindications, it can be harmful. You cannot perform the procedure if you have the following problems:
- acne, acne;
- rosacea;
- lymphadenitis (inflammation of the cervical and parotid lymph nodes);
- heat;
- infectious and oncological skin diseases.
After peeling, massage is performed with caution, following the recommendations of the cosmetologist.